Guard structure



Aug. 24, 1937. J. P. DENNEBAUM GUARD STRUCTURE Filed May s, 1956 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 24, 1937. J. P. DENNEBAUM GUARD STRUCTURE Filed May8, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 24, 1937 tJNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to a guard structure for protective purposes onhighways and is designed primarily for positioning at the sides of acurve of a roadway; however, it is to be understood that a guardstructure, in accordance with this invention, may be employed at anypoint in relation to the roadway or in any connection for which it maybe found applicable.

The invention has for its object to provide, in

a manner as hereinafter set forth, a guard device possessing shockabsorbing and take-up characteristics and functioning to arrest avehicle from passing off of a roadway sidewise more particularly whenrounding curves thereby preventing l5 accidents.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a guard structure including means for absorbingshocks as well as for reducing to a minimum damage or injury to avehicle when the latter impacts the structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a guard structure including a resilientlysuspended lengthwise extendible and contractible guard rail.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinater set forth, a guard structure for the purpose referred to including aresiliently suspended lengthwise extendible and contractible guard railcoupled at its ends with take-up elements of the cushion type.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a guard structure for the purpose referred toincluding a guard rail having means interposed therein to provide forthe extending and contracting of the rail lengthwise thereof whenimpacted upon by a vehicle.

A further object of the invention is to provide,

in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a guard structure for the purposereferred to including a guard rail formed of a pair of sections coupledtogether by an extensible and contractible central coupling device andwith the outer ends of the sections being coupled with supporting postsby slidably mounted extendible and contractible outer coupling devicesfunctioning as take-ups.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a guard structure for the purpose referred towhich is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable,cushioned possessing a shock absorbing characteristic, thoroughlyeflicient in its 55 use, conveniently assembled in guarding relationwith respect to the side of a roadway, and comparatively inexpensive tomanufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects which may hereinafter appear, theinvention consists of the novel construction, combination andarrangement of parts as will be more specifically referred to and are asillustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown severalembodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes,variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within thescope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a front elevation, broken away, of a guard structure inaccordance with this invention,

Figure 2 is an elevation partly in vertical section of the extendibleand contractible central coupling device for the sections of a guardrail,

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the central coupling device for thesections of the guard rail,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in front elevation illustrating one endof the guard structure,

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the end of the guard structure shown inFigure 4,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in side elevation and in vertical sectionillustrating a form of guard rail suspension carried by a post andresiliently suspending and detachably clamping the guard rail to thepost,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view in front elevation illustrating amodified form of outer coupling device for the guard rail,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view in front elevation illustrating stillanother modified form of outer coupling device for the guard rail,

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view in front elevation illustrating stillanother modified form of outer coupling device for the guard rail,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view in front elevation illustrating stillanother modified form of outer coupling device for the guard rail,

Figure 12 is a side elevation illustrating the form of the end terminalportions of each of the resilient parts employed for the couplingdevices,

Figure 13 is a side elevation illustrating a modified form of the endterminal portions of each of the resilient parts employed for thecoupling devices,

Figures 14 and 15 are respectively a front elevation and a top planview, both broken. away, of still another modified form of theinvention,

Figures 16 and 17 are respectively a rear elevation and top plan view,both broken away, of still another modified form of the invention,

Figure 18 is a rear elevation, broken away, of still another modifiedform of the invention,

Figure 19 is a rear elevation, broken away, of still another modifiedform of the invention,

Figure 20 is a front elevation of a modified form of resilient units forthe take-up devices and coupling or cushioning elements, and

Figure 21 is a side elevation of a modified form of suspension elementfor a guard rail section.

With reference to Figures 1 to 6 the guard structure is illustrated asincluding a pair of end posts i2, i3 and a plurality of intermediateposts it arranged in spaced relation and also spaced from the posts [2,13. Preferably the intermediate posts will be of less height than theend posts. Slidably mounted in the posts i2, I3 is a pair of oppositelydisposed outer coupling devices i5, i5 respectively. Secured to thefront face of each of the intermediate posts I4 is a vertically disposedresilient suspension element 55a. The element lea is of the form andarrangernern corresponding to that shown in Patent 2,030,783. Theelement 16a functions to not only resiliently suspend the guard rail I!but further acts to detachably clamp the guard rail H with the posts Il. The ends of the guard rail 5'? are spaced from the posts l2, l3.

The guard rail W is formed of a pair of oppositely disposed sections E3,l9 each of which may be formed of a plurality of stretches suitablysecured together or a single length of material and by way of example,the section 18, as well as the sectionl9 consists of a. single length ofmaterial, which is to be of the desired length and of the desiredcontour in transverse cross section. The guard rail sections l8 and idhave secured to the rear faces of the inner end terminal portionsthereof a pair of oppositely disposed angle irons 735, 2! respectively.Each of said angle irons consists of a flared flange 22 and an oblongflange 23. The flanges 22 are secured to the rear faces of the endterminal portions of the guard rail sections, fiush with the inner endedges of said sections and extended in opposite directions with respectto the side edges of said sections. The flanges 23 are disposedrearwardly and at right angles to the inner ends of the flanges 22. Theflange of the angle iron 20 is formed with a pair of superposed aligningopenings 24. The flange 23 of the angle iron 2| is formed with a pair ofaligning superposed openings 25. The openings 25 do not align with theopenings 25 but are arranged inwardly with respect to said openings.

The guard rail sections l8, l9 have secured to their outer endsoppositely extending straps 26, 27. respectively. The straps are bentupon themselves as indicated at 28, 28 (Figure 5) to form a split loopor barrel S3. The ends of the sections i8, i9 extend into the bentstraps and are fixedly secured therewith by the holdfast device 30a. Thesplit loops or barrels are extended laterally from the outer end edgesof the guard rail sections is, H. Arranged between the inner ends of theguard rail sections I8, I 9 and slidably connected to the flanges 23 ofthe angle irons 2!], Si is a central or intermediate coupling device SEfor the guard rail sections. The device 3! not only functions to providefor the extension and contraction of the guard rail ll, but also toprovide a cushioning shock absorbing means for the sections of guardrail IT. The device 3| includes a pair of parallel, superposed, combinedsupporting and guide bars 32, 33 which extend through the openings 24 inthe flange 23 of the angle iron 20 and projects towards the angle iron2!. The ends of each of said bars 32, 33 are peripherally threaded as at3 Mounted upon the threaded end portions of the bars 32, 33 are theabutment nuts 35, 35. The device 3| includes a pair of parallel,superposed, combined supporting and guide bars 3?, 38 which extendthrough the openings 25 in the flange 23 of the angle iron 28 andproject towards the angle iron 29. The ends of each of said bars 31, 38are peripherally threaded as at 39. Mounted upon the threaded endportions of the bars 31, 33 are the abutment nuts 53, ii. The nuts 35are arranged to abut the flange 23 of the angle iron 20. The nuts 4: arearranged to abut the flange 22 of the angle iron iii. A skeletonresilient cushioning and take-up element 52 is mounted on the bars 32,33, 31 and 38. The nuts abut the extender of element 42. The nuts 39abut the extender M of element 42. The said extenders are of strap-likeform and also function as abutments for the resilient members of theelement Q2. The element E2 is arranged between the nuts 36 and the nuts48 and is compressed by the bearing action of the nuts 36 and 48 on itsends when the guard rail sections l8, 19 are shifted in extendedrelation with respect to each other.

The device 35 includes a shield or protector for the front thereof andwhich is indicated at 45. The protector 35 also constitutes an abutment.The protector 55 consists of a plate 46 formed with a rearwardlyextending pair of flanges M, 58 disposed between the ends of element 42and the flanges 23 of the angle irons. The flange 4? is slidably mountedon the bars 32, 33. The flange i8 is slidably mounted on the bars 3?,38. The element 45 extends above the bar 3'! and depends below the bar38. As the element 55 is slidably mounted it does not prevent in anymanner the shifting of the guard rail sections towards and from eachother.

The outer coupling devices I5, i5 are of like form. Each outer couplingdevice includes a pivot bolt 49 mounted in, extending above anddepending below a barrel 30. The bolt 49 includes a head 59 carries onits lower end a retaining nut 51. Each outer coupling device includesupper and lower bars 52, 53 which are slidably mounted in channels 54,55 respectively, formed in an end post. The forward ends of the bars 52,53 are provided with eyes or loops 56, 5'! respectively. The eye 55 ismounted on the upper end of bolt iii between the upper end of the barrel3i! and the nut 50. The eye 57 is mounted on the lower end of bolt '59between the lower end of the barrel 3i? and the nut 50. The rear ends ofthe bars 52, 53 are peripherally threaded as at 58. Positioned on thebars 52, 53 is a resilient cushioning or take-up element 59 of skeletonform. Mounted on the threaded ends of the bars 52, 53 are retaining nuts60, GI respectively. The element Ed is interposed be tween the outerside edge of an end post and the nuts 65, 6d. The bar 52 extends throughthe upper end of the element 55. The bar 53 extends through the lowerend of the element 59.

The end posts l2, l3 are provided with channels 62, 63 respectively. Thechannels 52, 63 are arranged between the channels 55,, 55 and the endposts. The channels 54, 55, 82, 63 open at the inner side edge and atthe outer side edge of the end posts. Associated with the end posts I2,I3 is a pair of adjustable oppositely disposed stay or anchoringelements 64, 65 respectively which are of like form and each includes anupper section 66 formed of an upper horizontally disposed stretch 61 anda downwardly extended; outwardly inclined stretch 68. The stretches 6'!of the elements 64, 65 extend through the channels 62, 63 of the endposts I2, I3 respectively. The inner ends of the stretches 6'I carryabutment nuts 69 which oppose the inner side edges of the end posts I2,I3. The elements 64 and 65 include a lower outwardly inclined section I9which is adapted to be anchored in the ground. The sections 68, ID ofthe elements 64, 65 are connected together by the adjustable turnbucklesII. The stretches 61 of the elements 64, 65 extend through the element59 centrally of these latter and said elements 59 are capable of beingshifted upon said stretches 61.

With reference to Figure 7 the modified form of outer coupling device issubstantially the same as the device I5 or I6 and is generally indicatedat I2. The resilient skeleton element I3 employed in connection with thedevice 12 has its resilient parts 74 anchored together in pairs at theircenters as at I5. Otherwise than that as stated, outer coupling deviceT2 would be similar in construction as outer coupling devices I5 or I6.With reference to Figure 7 the stay element indicated at I6 will be ofthe same form and construction as the stay element 64, 65 but the stayelement 16 extends through a channel 11 formed in the end posts I8 abovethe outer coupling device I2.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9 the guard rail section I9 has itsouter end of a different form than the guard rail sections I8 or I9.Figures 8 and 9 also illustrate an outer coupling device 36 of adifferent form than the outer coupling device I5, I6 and I2. The stay oranchoring element 8| shown in Figures 8 and 9 will be of the samearrangement with respect to the end posts 82 as the element I6 isdisclosed in ings 84. The member 83 is flush with the outer end edge ofrail section I9. Holdfast devices 85 are employed for anchoring themember 83 to the guard rail section I9. The end post 82 is not onlyprovided near its upper end with a channel 86 for the upper stretch ofthe stay element 8| but it is also provided below the channel 86 withaligning spaced channels 81, 88 and 89 which extend from the outer sideedge to the inner side edge of the post 82. The coupling device 8includes superposed parallel take-up rods 96, 9| and 92 which extendthrough channels 81, 88 and 89 and also through the registering openings84 in the sides of the channel member 83. The inner ends of the rods 90,9|

and 92 carry abutment nuts 93 which abut the inner side 94 of the member83. The rods 9, 9| and 92 project outwardly from the outer side edge ofthe post 82 and are provided with abutment nuts 95 on their outer ends.Interposed between the nuts 95 and the outer side edge of the post 62 aswell as being mounted on the rods 90, 9| and 92 is a resilientcushioning or takeup element 96 of skeleton form; The rod 99 extendsthrough the upper end of the element 96.

The rod 9| extends through the center of the element 96 and the rod 92extends through the lower end of the element 96.

With reference to Figure 10, it discloses a modified form of guard railsection 91 and a modified form of outer coupling device 98. The latterincludes superposed bars 99, I96 and It which are slidably mounted inthe end post I92. The device 98 includes a resilient element I63 mountedon the said bars. The guard rail section 91 has its barrel I94 cut outas at ili ia. The bar I96 extends into the cutout IOda. The bars 99, I96and IllI are connected to the pivot bolt I692). Otherwise than that asstated, the construction as shown in Figure 10 is the same as that shownin Figure '7.

With reference to Figure 11, it discloses a modified form of a resilienttake-up and cushioning element I65 which is of the same construction asthe element 59 with this exception that the re silient parts I66 ofelement I05 are oppositely disposed with respect to the resilient partsof the element 59.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the manner in which the end terminalportions of each the resilient parts, straps or members of the resilientelements of the coupling devices are set up.

In Figure 12 the end terminal portions iii? are shown as being formedwith oppositely disposed notches I98 opening at their outer edges, andin Figure 13 the end terminal portions I69 as shown and being formedwith slots l 59 lengthwise thereof. The notches I61 and slots IIil areof the desired length to provide for the extensions of the saidresilient parts, straps or members when the resilient elements arecompressed.

Each cushioning or take-up device other than those shown in Figures 16and 1'; includes a set of resilient members of strap-like form arrangedbetween the extenders. Each resilient member consists of a straightupper end terminal pcrticn, a straight lower end terminal portion and atruncated V-shaped intermediate portion which is offset laterally withrespect to the inner ends of said upper and lower end terminal portions.The end terminal portions of the members of said set are in contactingrelation. The intermediate portions of the resilient members of the setare in contacting relation and the contact is arranged in a planeparallel to the point of contacting relation between the end terminalportions of said members. With reference to Figures 16 and 17 theintermediate portion of each of the resilient members shown in thesefigures is of semi-circular contour instead of truncated V-shapedcontour. Otherwise than that as stated, the form of the members shown inFigures 16 and 1'7 will be the same as the forms of resilient membersshown in the other figures of the drawings. The intermediate portion ofeach resilient member is of greater length than either one of the endterminal portions thereof. Each of the resilient members is capable ofbeing extended and contracted endwise. The extenders or abutments at theends of each set of resilient raisin-- bers coact with the intermediateportions of said members for extending the latter to set up a cushioningaction.

In those forms of the tensioning device as shown, which include twopairs of shifting bars, which correspond to the bars 32, $15 of Figure2, a bar of each pair will extend through an end terminal portion ofeach of the resiiient members of a set. A pair of shifting bars whenmoved in one direction will coact with the extenders and intermediateportions of the resilient members for extending the length of themembers to provide a cushioning action. When one pair of shifting barsmoves in one direction, the other pair will coact therewith to providethe function aforesaid. When the two pairs of shifting bars move inopposite directions in unison the same function as aforesaid will beobtained.

The outer coupling devices may have the end terminal portions of theinner resilient part, strap or member of the resilient element thereofbear against washers Ill carried by the bars 52, 53 as shown in Figure 4or they may abut or bear against an inner strap II2 carried by the bars66, Si, 92 as shown in Figure 8.

The resilient element of each outer coupling device referred to isoutwardly adjacent the outer side edge of an end post. The latter, orthe washers I Ii or the strap II 2 provides an abutment for theresilient element of the outer coupling. Each outer coupling deviceincludes a slidable compressing member for its resilient element. Thesaid compressing member is in the form of an outer strap H3 mounted onthe bars of the outer coupling element against the nuts on the outer endof said bars. When these latter move inwardly, that is, in a directiontowards an end post, the strap H3, due to the nuts on the outer ends ofthe bars, will be carried with the bars and compress the resilientelement thereby providing a cushioning take-up and shock absorbingfunction for the guard rail.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15, the guard rail sections aredesignated H4, H5 and have their inner ends formed with rearwardlydirected flanges H6, II! respectively. The outer ends, only one shown,of the sections H4, H5 have secured to their inner faces rearwardlyopening channel members H6 extending from the upper to the lowerlengthwise edge and flush with the outer edge of the sections. Thesections I I8, I I9 are coupled together in spaced relation by a takeupelement I26 consisting of a pair of resilient units I2I, I22, 3. pair ofsuperposed bars I23 provided at their ends with nuts I24 and a pair ofcompressing members I25, I25. The unit I2I, as

well as the unit I22, is formed of a pair of oppositely oiT centersecured together resilient parts notched or slotted in the manner asshown in Figures 12 and 13, respectively. The flanges H6,

I I i are formed with aligning superposed openings I I9 for the passageof the bars I23. These latter also extend through and support the unitsI2I, I22 and members I25, I26. The unit I2I is arranged between theflange !I6 and member I25.

The unit I22 is arranged between the flange II! and the member I26. Asuspension element I2! for the section I I4 is carried by a post I28.

Slidably connected to the member H8 is a cushioning device I29 formed ofa pair of superposed bars I36 having their ends provided with nuts I3I.The bars I36 extend through the sides of member I30 and have mounted ontheir inner ends adjacent the nuts I 3| on said ends a compressingmember I32. Positioned on and sup- ;5 ported by the bars I36 is a pairof abutting resilient units I33, I34 of the same form as a unit I2I orI22. The unit I63 abuts the inner side of member I I8. The unit I34abuts the member I32. The bars I30 extend through an end post I35 andthe nuts I3I on the outer end of the bars I30 abut post I35.

With reference to Figures 16 and 17, the guard rail is to be formed of apair of spaced intermediate sections and a pair of end sections, but

one end section is shown and that end section not shown will be of thesame construction as the end section which is shown. The end section notshown will be provided with a cushioning device of the same constructionas that shown in connection with that end section of the guard railwhich is illustrated. A portion of one of the intermediate sections isshown, but that intermediate section which is not completely shown willbe provided with a take-up device similar to that shown in connectionwith that end section and intermediate section which are completelyillustrated. That end section which is complete 1y shown is indicated atI36. That intermediate section which is completely shown is indicated atI3! and that intermediate section which is not completely shown isindicated at I38. Each intermediate section will be provided at its endswith rearwardly extending flanges as shown in connection with sectionI31 and such flanges, with reference to section I31, are indicated ati536 and I46. The section I38 which is not completely shown, butconforms in construction to section I67, is illustrated as having itsinner end provided with a rearwardly extending flange 545 which opposesthe flange I46. The sections Mil, I38 are connected together by aresilient take-up device I42 formed of a Set of three superposed barsI43 having their ends provided with combined connecting and abutmentnuts I The flanges I46, I4I are provided with superposed openings forthe passage of the bars I43. Mounted on the bars E43 and abutting thenuts at each end of said bars are the compressing members Hi5, I46.Positioned on the bars M3 and interposed between the flange I46 andmember is a resilient unit I41. Mounted on the bars M3 and interposedbetween the flange MI and member I46 is a resilient unit I43. Eachresilient unit is formed from a resilient strap having a bowshapedintermediate portion. The resilient units I41, I48 are oppositelydisposed. The bow-shaped portion of the unit I4? abuts the flange M6.The bow-shaped portion of unit E46 abuts flange I4 I. Each end sectionof the guard rail is adapted to be connected in spaced relation to oneof the intermediate sections by a take-up device and this structuralarrangement is shown in relation to sections I36 and I31. The take-updevice for connecting the section I36 to I3! is indicated at I49 and itconsists of a pair of superposed bars I56, combined securing andabutment nuts E5! on the ends of said bars, compressing members I52, I53mounted on the bars against the nuts on the ends of said bars and a pairof oppositely disposed resilient units I54, I55 which are also a mountedon the bars I50. The unit I54 is disposed between the member I52 and arearwardly directed flange I 56 on the inner end of the section I36.Flanges I39 and I56 are provided with openings for the passage of thebars I556. The unit I55 is interposed between the member and the flangeI39 on section I37. Each end section of the guard rail is adapted to becon nected with an end post I57 by a combined coupling and cushioningdevice which slidably connected to the outer end of said section andthis arrangement is illustrated with respect to section I36. The sectionI36 is formed at its outer end with a channel-shaped member 558 whichopens rearwardly and extends from the top to the bottom edge and isflush with the outer end edge of section I36. Carried by the member I58is a combined coupling and cushioning device or element I59 consistingof a pair of superposed bars I66 which extend through the post I57 andalso through the sides of the member I58. The inner and outer ends ofthe bars I68 are provided with combined securing and abutment nuts I6I.Positioned on. the bars I60 and arranged adjacent the nuts I6! on theinner ends of said bars is a compressing member I62. Interpos-ed betweenthe inner side of the member I58 and the member I62 is a resilient unitI63 which is fixedly secured by the holdfast means I84 to the 10 memberI82. The unit I63 consists of a strap formed of a bow-shapedintermediate portion.

The units I41, I48, I54, I55 and I63 are substantially of the same formand said units are to be provided with notches or slots such as shown inFigures 12 and 13. The nuts I6 I, at the outer end of the bars I68, abutpost I51.

With reference to Figure 18, the guard rail includes a pair of sectionsI65, I66. The section I66 is not completely shown but it will beconstructed in the same manner as the section I65. The inner ends of thesections I65, I68 are provided with rearwardly directed flanges I61, I68respectively. The sections I65, I66 are connected together in spacedrelation by a take-up device I69 consisting of a set of three superposedbars I10 having their ends provided with combined abutment and securingnuts IN. The flanges I61, I68 are provided with openings for the passageof the bars I10. Positioned on the bars I10,

39 against the nuts I1I at one end of said bars, is a compressing memberI12 and positioned on the bars I18 and abutting the nuts I1I at theother ends of said bars is a compressing member I13. Mounted on the barsI18 and interposed between the member I12 and flange I61 is a resilientunit I14 formed of a pair of oppositely disposed like parts. Positionedon the bars I10 between the flange I68 and the member I13 is a resilientunit I15 formed of a pair of oppositely 40 disposed like parts. Theunits I24, I25 are of the same construction. The parts of the units I14,I15 are to be provided with notches or slots in a manner as shown inFigures 12 and 13. The outer end of the section I65 is provided with arearwardly extending flange I16. The section I65 is connected to an endpost I11 by a combined coupling and cushioning device consisting of aset of three superposed bars I18 having their ends provided withcombined abutment and securing 5O nuts I19. The nuts 219, at the outerend of the bars I18, abut the post I11. Mounted on the bars I18 andabutting the nuts I19 on the inner ends of the bars I19, is acompressing member I80. The flange I16 is provided with openings for thepassage of bars I18 and mounted on the bars I18 between the flange I16and the compressing member I80 is a resilient unit IBI of the same formas the units I14, I15.

The guard rail heretofore referred to has its sections formed of astretch or stretches of platelike material and it is to be understoodthat when reference is made to a section of the guard rail that suchsection may be formed of twoor more parts. With reference to Figure 19,the guard 85 rail is formed of two sections consisting of a pair ofparts in the form of cables and it is to be understood that whenreference is made to a guard rail section that the word section is tocover a section formed of sheet metal or cables.

With reference to Figure 19, it discloses a guard rail formed of a pairof sections I82, I83 and with the former consisting of a pair ofsuperposed cables I84, I85 and with the latter being formed of a pair ofsuperposed cables I86, I81 arranged,

respectively, above and below cables I84, I85.

Each guard rail section includes a pair of superposed eye bolts. The eyebolts of the section I82 are indicated at I86, I81 and have their eyesconnected respectively to the inner ends of the cables I84, I85. The eyebolts of the section I83 are indicated at I88, I89 and have their eyesconnected to the inner ends of the cables I86, I81. The eye bolts I 86,I81 extend in an opposite direction with respect to the eye bolts I66,I89. The eye bolt I88 is arranged over and spaced above the eye boltI86. The eye bolt I81 is arranged over and spaced above the eye boltI89. The eye bolts I81, I86 not only form continuations of the cablesI84, I but also constitute supports forming elements of a resilienttake-up device I90. The eye bolts I88, I89 not only form continuationsof the cables I86, I81 respectively but also constitute supports formingelements of the takeup device I98. The take-up device I90 includes aresilient element I9I formed of a series of straps ofiset centrally andabutting. The element I9I is mounted on the several eye bolts. Thetake-up device I90 also includes a pair of compressing members I92, I93which are also mounted on the eye bolts and are positioned against theends of the unit I90. The inner ends of the eye bolts I86, I 81 areprovided with combined abutment and securing nuts I94 which arepositioned against the outer side of the member I99. The ends of the eyebolts I88, I89, adjacent the ends thereof provided with the eyes, carrycombined abutment and securing nuts I95 which are positioned against theouter side of the member I92. The straps of the element I9I are formedwith notches or slots in a manner as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The outer end of the rail section I88 is constructed in the same manneras shown with respect to the rail section I82. There is connected to theouter end of each rail section a combined coupling and cushioningelement or device consisting of a pair of superposed eye bolts I96, I91having their eyes I98 at the inner ends thereof and to the eyes I96, I91are anchored the outer end terminal portions of the cables. I 88, I85.The eye bolts I 95, I91 extend through and project outwardly from an endpost I99. The outer ends of the bolts I96, I91 are provided withcombined abutment and, securing nuts 200. Positioned on the bolts I96,I91 and abutting the nuts 200 is a compressing member 20I. Positioned onthe bolts I96 and I91 and bearing against the posts I99 are Washers 282.Interposed between the washers 202 and the member 20I is a resilientelement 203 of the same construction as the element I90.

With reference to Figure 20, a modified form of resilient strap which isemployed with the resilient elements is shown. The strap is generallyindicated at 204 and includes a V-shaped portion 205 and a pair of endportions 208 which merge into and are disposed at right angles to theportion 205. When the strap 204 is used to set up a resilient element apair of straps is employed and which are oppositely disposed and haveinterposed therebetween a washer 201. A pair of straps and washer 201are connected together by the holdfast device 208.

With reference to Figure 21, a modified form of suspension element isshown and which is indicated generally at 209. The element 289 is of thesame form as the element I6a with the exception that the oppositelydisposed bands 2I8 of element 209 are connected together by the holdfastmeans 2| I.

The take-up devices between the sections of the guard rail will betermed resilient intermediate coupling devices and the combined couplingand cushioning devices or elements will be termed slidably suspendedresilient outer coupling devices.

What I claim is:

1. In a tensioning device, a set of parallel sidewise aligned resilientmembers of strap-like form capable of being extended and contractedlengthwise in unison, each of said members including a pair of innerendwise aligned end terminal portions and an intermediate portion offsetlaterally with respect to the inner ends of the said end terminalportions, the said end terminal portions of said members being arrangedin contacting relation, the said intermediate portion of said membersbeing arranged in contacting relation in a plane parallel to said endterminal portions, spaced parallel sidewise aligned slidable extendersfor said members, an inner and an outer pair of oppositely shiftableelements for said extenders, the elements of said pairs being disposedin parallel spaced lengthwise relation, said elements coacting with saidextenders and with the said intermediate portions, when a pair of saidelements is shifted in one direction for extending said memberslengthwise to provide a cushioning action, one of said elements of eachpair of elements extending through an end terminal portion of each ofsaid members, said elements slidably suspending said members andextenders, and the said end terminal portions of said members being soformed to provide, when said members are extended lengthwise, for themembers to move transversely of said elements.

2. In a tensioning device, vertically disposed lengthwise extendibleresilient members arranged in contacting relation in spaced parallelplanes, spaced parallel extenders for said elements, an

outer pair of shifting elements for one of said exmeans bearing againstthe outer face of the other 5 vide when said members are extended toshift transversely of said elements.

3. In a tensioning device, a set of upstanding resilient members formedwith upper and lower end terminal portions and intermediate portionsoffset with respect to said end terminal portions, said intermediateportions being arranged in contacting relation, said end terminalportions being arranged in contacting relation in planes parallel to thepoints of contacting relation of said intermediate portions, andpressure applying means coacting with said intermediate portions forextending said members lengthwise, said means including a pair of spacedoppositely disposed upper parts extending through said upper terminalend portions, said means including a pair of spaced oppositely disposedlower parts extending through said lower end terminal portions, saidmembers having their upper and lower end terminal portions being soformed to provide for said members moving transversely of said partswhen said members are lengthwise extended.

4. In a tensioning device, a set of lengthwise extendible resilientmembers of continuous straplike form sidewise contacting at the oppositeend terminal portions thereof and sidewise contacting intermediate theirends in a plane parallel to the plane of said end terminal portions,abutment means bearing against the ends of said set, and pressureapplying means coacting with said abutment means for extending saidmembers lengthwise, said pressure applying means including a pair ofcontinuous spaced parallel simultaneously shiftable inner partsextending through the end terminal portions of said members and saidpair of abutment means and bearing against the outer face of one of theabutment means, and said pressure applying means including a pair ofcontinuous spaced parallel simultaneously shiftable outer partsextending through the end terminal portions of said members and saidpai; of abutment means and bearing against the outer face of the otherof said abutment means.

5. In a tensioning device, a set of lengthwise extendible resilientmembers of continuous straplike form sidewise contacting at the oppositeend terminal portions thereof and sidewise contacting intermediate theirends in a plane parallel to the plane of said end terminal portions,abutment means bearing against the ends of said set, and pressureapplying means coacting with said abutment means for extending saidmembers lengthwise, said pressure applying means including a pair ofcontinuous spaced parallel simultaneously shiftable inner partsextending through the end terminal portions of said members and saidpair of abutment means and bearing against the outer face of one of theabutment means, and said pressure applying means including a pair ofcontinuous spaced parallel simultaneously shiftable outer partsextending through the end terminal portions of said members and saidpair of abut ment means and bearing against the outer face of the otherof said abutment means, and each end terminal portion of each memberbeing so formed to provide for such member during the extending thereofto move transversely of said parts.

6. In a tensioning device, lengthwise extendible and contractableresilient members of continuous strap-like form arranged in sidewiserelation, the end terminal portions of said members being disposed inpermanent contacting relation, said members being disposed in permanentcontacting relation intermediate their ends in planes parallel to theplanes of said end terminal portions, and a pressure applying structurefor extending said members lengthwise to provide a cushioning function,said structure including a pair of superposed shiftable continuous innerparts slidably extending through the end terminal portions of the saidmembers and a pair of superposed shiftable continuous outer partsslidably extending through the said end terminal portions of saidmembers, the said inner and outer parts suspending said members, saidinner parts being shiftable simultaneously and said outer parts beingshiftable simultaneously.

7. In a tensioning device, lengthwise extendible and contractableresilient members of continuous strap-like form arranged in sidewiserelation, the end terminal portions of said members being disposed inpermanent contacting relation, said members being disposed in permanentcontacting relation intermediate their ends in planes parallel to theplanes of said end terminal portions, and a pressure applying structurefor extending said members lengthwise to provide a cushioning function,said structure including a pair of superposed shiftable continuous innerand outer parts slidably extending through the said end terminalportions of said members, the said inner and outer parts suspending saidmembers, said inner parts being shiftable simultaneously and said outerparts being shiftable simultaneously, and each end terminal portion ofeach of said members being formed with means to provide for said membersshifting transversely of said inner and outer parts when said membersare extended and contracted.

8. In a tensioning device, a set of parallel sidewise aligned resilientmembers of strap-like form capable of being extended lengthwise inunison, each of said members including a pair of slotted aligned endterminal portions and an intermediate portion offset laterally withrespect to the inner ends of the said end terminal portions, the saidend terminal portions each having contact faces, the said intermediateportions each having a contact face, a pair of abutments, each arrangedat an end of the set and one being movable towards and away from theother, shiftable means extending through the slots of said terminalportions of said members and through said abutmerits, coacting with anabutment for extending c embers lengthwise on the shifting of theshiftable means, said means suspending and maintaining said members inparallel alignment with respect to each other.

9 In a tensioning device, a set of sidewise aligned independentelongated bent resilient members, said members being formed with slottedend terminal portions and being so related to provide for the lengthwiseextending thereof in unison on application of pressure thereto, a pairof abutments, arranged one at each side of the set and one movabletowards the other for applying pressure to said members, shiftable meansextending through the slots of said end terminal portions, through saidabutments and coacting with an abutment for applying pressure to saidmembers, said means also suspending and maintaining said members inparallel alignment with respect to each other.

10. In a tensioning device, a set of sidewise aligned independentelongated bent resilient members, said members being formed with slottedterminal portions and being so related to provide for the lengthwiseextending thereof in unison on application of pressure thereto, a pairof abutments, arranged one at each side of the set and one movabletowards the other for applying pressure to said members, shiftable meansextending through the slots of said end terminal portions, through saidabutments and coacting with an abutment for applying pressure to saidmembers, said means also suspending and maintaining said members inparallel alignment with respect to each other, said members being incontact with each other intermediate their ends, the

' end terminal portions of the inner members of said set being incontact, and the end terminal portions of the outer members of said setbeing in contact with said abutments.

11. In a tensioning device a set of parallel end- Wise aligned normallycontracted resilient members capable of being extended lengthwise, themembers of said set being arranged in pairs, the members of each pairbeing oppositely disposed, each member being formed of an intermediateportion and a pair of end terminal portions, said intermediate portionsbeing offset laterally relative to said end terminal portions, themembers of said set being arranged in contacting rela tion, the endterminal portions of said members being slotted, a pair of abutments,said set being arranged between said abutments, one of said abutmentsmovable towards and from the other, a shiftable means extending throughthe slots at one end of said members and through said abutments, and ashiftable means extending through the slots at the other end of saidmembers and through said abutments, said pair of shiftable meanssuspending said members and providing when shifted in unison in onedirection for extending said members lengthwise transversely of saidmeans.

12. In a tensioning device a set of parallel endwise aligned normallycontracted resilient members capable of being extended lengthwise, themembers of said set being arranged in pairs, the members of each pairbeing oppositely disposed, each member being formed of an intermediateportion and a pair of end terminal portions, said intermediate portionsbeing offset laterally relative to said end terminal portions, themembers of said set being arranged in contacting relation, the endterminal portions of said members being slotted, a pair of abutments,said set being arranged between said abutments, one of said abutmentsmovable towards and from the other, a shiftable means extending throughthe slots at one end of said members and through said abutments, and ashiftable means extending through the slots at the other end of saidmembers and through said abutments, said pair of shiftable meanssuspending said members and providing when shifted in unison in onedirection for extending said members lengthwise transversely of saidmeans, the contacting relation between said members being atintermediate and end terminal portions.

13. In a tensioning device a plurality of lengthwise extendible sidewisealigned resilient members, each formed of a pair of end terminalportions and an intermediate portion offset with respect to saidterminal portions, said intermediate portions being in contactingrelation at the centers thereof, said end terminal portions beingslotted, and a combined suspension and pressure applying structure forsaid members, said structure including parallel shiftable partsextending through the slots ofsaid end terminal portions and a shiftablemeans abutting one of said members, said shiftable parts and shiftablemeans when moving in unison in a like direction applying pressure tosaid members for extending them lengthwise transversely of saidshiftable parts.

JOHN P. DENNEBAUM.

